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Museum Tour Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER

Tour Guide

Los Angeles, CA

$20/hr

The Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles, founded in 1993, is the educational arm of the SWC. Moriah ... The Museum of Tolerance is seeking an experienced, energetic and engaging Part Time Tour Guides to ...

The Broad

Ticketing & Group Sales Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Manages the processing and fulfillment of group visit and tour requests to support attendance and ... guided group introductions. * Processes all donation requests. * Update museum's VIP, Press ...

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Museum Tour Guide information

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$8

$18

$32

How much do museum tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum tour guide in California is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I get a job as a museum tour guide?

To become a museum tour guide, candidates typically need strong communication skills, a good knowledge of the museum's exhibits, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Some museums prefer or require guides to have a background in history, art, or education, and may offer training or certification programs. Experience in customer service or public speaking can also improve job prospects.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a museum tour guide?

To thrive as a Museum Tour Guide, you need strong communication skills, in-depth knowledge of art or history, and at least a high school diploma—though a relevant degree is often preferred. Familiarity with audio guide systems, tour scheduling software, and sometimes multilingual abilities are valuable assets. Excellent interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and adaptability help guides engage diverse audiences and handle unexpected questions. These competencies are essential to create memorable, informative experiences that encourage visitor satisfaction and repeat attendance.

What does a museum tour guide do?

As a Museum Tour Guide, your day typically involves preparing for upcoming tours, delivering engaging presentations to groups of varying sizes, and answering visitor questions about exhibits. You may also help coordinate with museum staff to schedule tours, set up audio equipment, and sometimes assist in special events or educational programs. The role often involves standing or walking for extended periods and adapting your approach for different age groups or interests. Teamwork is important, as you’ll regularly communicate with curators, visitor services, and other guides to ensure a seamless guest experience. Flexibility and passion for the subject matter are key to making each tour informative and enjoyable.

Are museum tour guides paid?

Yes, museum tour guides are typically paid employees or contractors who earn wages or hourly rates. Compensation varies depending on the institution, location, and experience, and some guides may also receive tips or bonuses for their services.

How do you become a museum tour guide?

To become a museum tour guide, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong communication skills, and knowledge of the museum's exhibits. Some positions require prior experience in customer service or education, and guides often undergo training provided by the museum to familiarize themselves with specific collections and presentation techniques.

What is a museum tour guide?

A Museum Tour Guide is responsible for leading visitors through museum exhibits, providing historical and contextual information about artifacts, and answering questions. They enhance the visitor experience by sharing engaging stories, facts, and insights. Guides may also assist with educational programs, special tours, and ensuring that museum rules are followed. Strong communication skills and knowledge of the museum's subject matter are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Tour Guide jobs in California?

The most popular types of Museum Tour Guide jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Tour Guide jobs in California?

For Museum Tour Guide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Tour Guide jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Tour Guide jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Museum Tour Guide jobs?

Cities in California with the most Museum Tour Guide job openings:

Museum Tour Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Tour Guide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,612 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Tour Guide

SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER

Los Angeles, CA

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

About us:

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is a global Jewish human rights activist organization that confronts anti-Semitism, hate, stands with Israel, defends the safety of Jews worldwide, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations.  It is an accredited Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at the United Nations, UNESCO and the OSCE, the Organization of American States, the Latin American Parliament, and the Council of Europe.  The SWC is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Paris, Jerusalem and Buenos Aires. The Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles, founded in 1993, is the educational arm of the SWC. Moriah Films is the Center’s two-time Academy Award®-winning film division and the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem is scheduled to open in 2024.

About the role:

The Museum of Tolerance is seeking an experienced, energetic and engaging Part Time Tour Guides to provide museum tours, in all permanent and special exhibitions, in order to enhance the quality of the museum experience for all visitors. 

About you:

You are passionate about making the Museum of Tolerance relevant for our visitors. You believe in the mission of the Museum and in the values of human and civil rights and Holocaust education. You have a great demeanor, professional behavior and impeccable customer service skills. 

This position will report to the MOT Floor Coordinators and is based in Los Angeles.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead museum tours and assist museum visitors
  • Serve as stationary guide in assigned locations
  • Communicate with Floor Coordinator team daily for assigned duties
  • Participate in all professional development opportunities
  • Must be available to work flexible days Sunday through Friday as needed and hours starting as early as 8:30am
  • Must be able to commit to working 29 hours per week
  • SUNDAY HOURS ARE REQUIRED
  • Other duties as assigned by full-time Floor Coordinator Supervisor

Our Benefits:

This role is part time (under 29 hours per week).

The Simon Wiesenthal Center embraces inclusivity and values our diverse community. We are committed to building a team based on qualifications, merit and business need. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Experience and Skills:

  • Comfortable in a dynamic, fast paced and highly flexible environment
  • Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
  • Excellent presentation skills with groups and general public
  • Ability and desire to work with students of all ages, especially high school students
  • Multilingual skills are a bonus

Physical Requirements:

  • This job requires standing/walking for up to 3 hours multiple times per day

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